Dramatization as a way of developing communicative skills
Abstract
The article is devoted to the analysis of drama activities as a way of developing students’ communicative skills at all stages of teaching English. Drama activities are an essential component of interactive games. Demand for interactive games containing dramatization and for dramatization itself is constantly growing making teachers use new methods and educational styles.
Drama activities can be an efficient way of forming and developing any language skills. All sorts of activities containing acting can help teachers to create communicative situations, which are close to real life. Properly arranged, these games can help the teacher to introduce new vocabulary or a grammar structure, to simplify the teacher’s explanation as well as motivate learners and keep them involved and active during the whole language class. Dramatization may function in various forms and may be used at different stages of teaching a foreign language class. Acting out short dialogues at beginner and elementary levels can be a good way of practicing new grammar structures. The triad teaching format offered by N. McIver can be beneficial for mixed-ability groups.
The article proves that the language material used for drama activities can be divided into two groups – real and dramatic or imaginary. Examples from everyday experience can be used to create familiar communicative situations. Such exercises have a practical nature as the learners demonstrate the interaction between people and different services. Close-to-real-life situations are combined with some imaginary or dramatic components. Activities based upon imaginary situations contribute to learners’ better cooperation and provide the opportunity for creating an atmosphere of friendliness and mutual understanding. The exercises based on imaginary situations often require the preparation of lengthy role cards.
The dramatization of famous paintings and songs forms another group of communicative activities, suitable for all levels of proficiency. An open, long-term drama activity can maximize creativity and motivation as well as provide an opportunity to develop flexibility in using a foreign language.
The drama activities offered in the article are easily adaptable to any language material or teaching format.
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